Nvq Unit 14

Words: 329
Pages: 2

Social work has a responsibility to adequately support the chosen lifestyle of carers as their efforts form an invaluable service which helps preserve the wellbeing of society’s most vulnerable. The health issues of an aging and unhealthy population means there are significantly more people aged 18+ who struggle to look after themselves. Legislation has made it a requirement to protect those that are unable to manage their basic needs yet the economy lacks the funds and capability to cope with increased demands. As a result there is a growing reliance upon the contributions of unpaid carers who are willing and able to provide the care which allows people to remain within their home. There are various reasons why carers undertake the role, including love, cultural expectation or a sense of duty as they are known in some capacity, predominately as family members, although it may be some other way such as …show more content…
There are often some rewards gained from caring, yet the act mainly involves the carer making sacrifices and massive changes which may have a negative impact upon their life. These events lead to a range of emotional responses which, when combined with feelings related to the pressure of caring duties, can become too much to bear. Consequently carers are often physically, emotionally and mentally drained, and are prone to suffering ill-health which limits their ability to care. In response to these concerns, The Care Act 2014 has been introduced to value carers and ensure their rights are prioritised, even if this means assistance must be provided to achieve this. Social workers are guided by this legislation and part of their duty involves assessing the carer to identify their own needs, before working with them to devise an action plan to address areas which appear to have been adversely affected by caring. This essay discusses the ways in which social work practice can attempt to rectify the effects of caring, whilst encourage carers to continue in